Bachelor of Social Work with Honours BSW(Hons)
Social Services
A course by
Otago University
An advanced undergraduate honours qualification in Social Work for high-achieving students, combining the BSW with research-intensive courses and a dissertation.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 4 years


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Advanced Practice in Social Work
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in social work practice, particularly with children, families, and communities.

Conduct Social Work Research
Undertake a research-intensive programme including completion of a dissertation, building foundational research skills in social work.

Professional Social Work Fieldwork
Complete advanced fieldwork placements to apply social work theory and practice in real-world settings.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Social Work with Honours (BSW(Hons)) provides an advanced option at 400-level for students completing the BSW degree. Students complete the main requirements of the BSW degree, plus additional research-intensive courses and produce a dissertation. This qualification offers an excellent pathway into social work practice, especially where research is valued, or a foundation for further postgraduate study in social work.
Course Content
- SOWK 402: Social Work for Children and Families: Advanced Practice
- SOWK 403: Communities and Organisations - Advanced Practice
- SOWK 490: Dissertation
- SOWK 492: Fieldwork Practice 2
- Core BSW degree courses
What you need to know first
Completion of the third year of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
Academic achievement in 300-level BSW courses
Subject to safety checking for suitability to work with children as required under the Children’s Act 2014
Admission approval by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities)

What sort of industry will this job lead to
Community and Social Services

Future employment opportunities might be
Social work practitioner in various agencies
Community development roles
Organisational and policy positions in social services
Roles requiring social work research skills


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